Recordings on CD
Schumann - Piano Works
Faschingsschwank aus Wien
Kinderszenen
Sonata in f sharp minor
Hinrich Alpers' debut CD features three works by Schumann which are entirely different from one another. The German Romantic composer created a number of works seemingly governed by a bipolar aesthetic, abruptly ranging from frantic impulsions to mournful moods. His Kinderszenen, thirteen miniatures explicitely conceived not as music for children but "from a grown-up for grown-ups", are framed by two of his most substantial and epic works: the Faschingsschwank aus Wien, a picturesque cycle of five humorous movements about Viennese Carnival and the f sharp minor Sonata, a work full of youthful enthusiasm.
This CD was editor's pick of January 2009 on "CDbaby.com": "This classical pianist seems to be winning awards, high praise, honorable mentions, and endorsements everywhere he goes. But listening to his latest album of Schumann piano pieces, it becomes clear that the hype and concert hall hoopla is backed up by a lifetime of study, dedication, and, most importantly, some serious passion. Effortlessly dexterous and expressive, Alpers attacks these works with equal parts confidence and reverence. Thankfully, the recording quality is similarly brilliant, capturing all the round warmth and resonance of his piano without sacrificing anything in crispness or clarity. It is tough to go wrong with a great recording of a great player performing a great piece by a great composer!"
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"Geliebter Lügner" ["Beloved Liar"], audiobook (german)
"We want to tell you a love story ..." The story of a couple that wrote each other touching letters over a span of four decades, that cursed each other only to reconcile passionately. The love letters of George Bernard Shaw, the celebrated author, and the actress Stella Campbell made worldwide success in Jerome Kilty's stage version - now available as audiobook starring Mario Adorf and Iris Berben.
Music: Hinrich Alpers
Performers: Cordula Frick, violin; Sabine Frick, violoncello; Hinrich Alpers, piano
rudi stephan - kammermusik und lieder
When Rudi Stephan (1887-1915) died aged 28 in the middle of World War I, music history lost one of the most promising talents of the early 20th century. In order to save his sparse work in chamber music and lieder from oblivion, Hinrich Alpers staged a portrait concert at the University of Music and Drama Hannover, presenting nearly all surviving works. Piano and musical direction: Hinrich Alpers
"Fascinating magic of sound - an exemplary ensemble, whose concentration and formal determination sets standards." Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung